NTB budget expected to set sail

Wednesday

NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH — Surf’s up but taxes are remaining flat for Onslow County’s only beachfront municipality.

North Topsail Beach’s governing body is prepared to hold a public hearing June 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the Town Hall where a $4,208,685 balanced budget will be unveiled.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2017-2018 budget, which by statute must be adopted by July 1, 2017, shows a decrease in every town department except public safety despite increasing overall by $397,935 or 10.4 percent over FY 2016-2017’s budget. The FY 2017-2018 budget adds two new patrol officers and vehicles to the NTB Police Department as well as two new, replacement Emergency Medical Services vehicles.

NTB’s staff will receive a 1-percent cost-of-living allowance while their group healthcare insurance rates will drop from $486 per month to $440, an individual savings of 10.5 percent. NTB employs 30 full-time and eight part-time staff who deliver services to 1,047 year-round residents.

New this year will be a driving permit for the north end beach from access No. 3. The daily cost will be $20, or $100 for annual pass. This new revenue stream is an attempt to off-set the increased need for resources at the north end of the island such as increased trash removal and additional law enforcement, according to NTB assistant town manager Carin Z. Faulkner. NTB residents would be exempt from purchasing a driving permit and instead use their hurricane re-entry pass as a substitute. The pass would be issued only to 4-wheel drive vehicles.

NTB property owners will be assessed an additional 65 cents per month for solid waste and recycling removal.

Wednesday evening’s meeting is open to the public. Should no changes occur to the proposed spending plan, the town aldermen and mayor could adopt the budget as presented.

The next scheduled regular board meeting is slated for July 5, 2017.

For more information call NTB town hall at 910-328-1349.

Contact Daily News Government Reporter Mike McHugh at 910-219-8455 or email at mike.mchugh@jdnews.com.

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